Common Carrier

Definition

A common carrier is a for-hire motor carrier that holds itself out to the general public to transport regulated commodities for any shipper willing to pay published rates. Authorized under 49 USC §13902 and 49 CFR Part 365. Common carriers contrast with contract carriers (who haul under specific written contracts), private carriers (who haul their own goods), and exempt carriers (who haul agricultural or unprocessed commodities outside FMCSA economic regulation). New for-hire applicants typically choose common-carrier authority on Form OP-1 because it gives the broadest operating flexibility. The MC authority docket fee is $300 per type, and the same BOC-3 + insurance prerequisites apply.